Desk job grinding you down? Try 7 easy tips to feel alive and free!

Energize body and mind by making some simple lifestyle changes. Some are easy, and will help you get through that dreaded phone call, spreadsheet or TPS report.
*Warning: Each step doubles as a forbidden dance move.

1. Pump Those Breaks

Most companies offer a couple of 15 minute breaks twice a day. That’s enough time for many of you to get outside for a jaunt around the block, or at least get up and walk around the scenic cube farm a bit. Stretching your legs will get blood flowing in your body and you will come back refreshed, often with a new approach to solving the world’s problems (or at least fixing the error that’s shown on your computer for the last 2 months).

2. Make it Juicy

Juicing and blending are all the rage, and for good reason: it’s a great way to ingest tons of vegetables and fruit that you might not otherwise eat. Stock up a week’s worth of veggies each Sunday and stay on top of it every day. In addition to vastly improving your health, you’ll likely save some dough compared to purchasing lunches at work, or raiding the “wheel of death,” aka vending machine.

Many people have great ergonomic chairs that they slouch in for 8+ hours a day. Go figure! Try instead sitting on a large exercise ball. It will force you to align your body and also tighten up your core abdominal and back muscles. There are ball chairs that are similar in concept but also offer back support. It’s a nice reprieve to channel your inner-child and bop up and down a bit on these too, just for fun.

Tip: Keep your regular chair and slowly transition to the ball. Even 15 minutes could make you sore if you’re a newbie!

4. Git -Up, Git-Up

If sitting on a ball isn’t your cup of tea, another option to help out your back is to get a standing desk. There are some cool DIY design ideas out there and many options for purchase as well. Sitting all day at your desk and then going home to sit more is obviously not an ideal lifestyle, and these alternative desk options are getting more popular and accepted so you won’t get as many weird looks as a few years back.

5. Push ‘n Roll

Desk jobs take a huge toll on the neck, shoulders and back. As a remedy consider massage cushions. They have come a long way, and the quality of some recent models can arguably compare to visiting a professional masseuse with options of heat, kneading and shiatsu. If you work at home or away from others you could use them at your desk too.

6. The Zombie

If you’re getting a much less than 8 hours of sleep each night, you are likely operating at only a fraction of your potential. There are a slew of devices and apps out there to track your steps taken each day, but did you know there are many that also track your sleep? They show how long it takes you to fall asleep, the amount of REM hours you’re getting and they even give you a sleep score. Some have extra bells and whistles such as advising what changes you should make to improve your sleep habits, including your bed time, room temperature and lighting. So much focus is put towards diet and exercise; sleep is just as crucial an area for your happiness, stress levels and overall health.

7. The Downward Dog

Just about everyone knows how amazing yoga is, but not many people incorporate it into their working lives (where they need it most!). Many great stretches and yoga poses can be done while either seated in a chair or standing up. Combine these with yoga-based breathing techniques throughout the day and you will be a calm, collect warrior.

Tammileetips

Sep 14, 2015 at 3:07 am

Working at a desk is can make for a very boring day sitting still. I try to set a timer so I get up every so often and walk around when I have to work at a desk for long periods of time. I have used an exercise ball for a computer chair as well before and it worked great.

I’m at a desk for most of the day, typing and researching client projects. I often get up and pace a bit to get the circulation going, and make frequent trips to make coffee. I actually have a couple of those large exercise balls…maybe it’s time to start using one.

Find Articles

About Me

Rika Agustini is a multinational food and lifestyle blogger, who incorporates ideas and ingredients from around the globe into her healthy cooking. Her award-winning blog blends conceptual photography with the useful information and reviews her readers crave. Rika translates her passion for food, travel, and fashion into gorgeous moments, helping her followers find the good life.

Subscribe & Follow

Get more stuff like thisin your inbox

Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.